Recent surveys show that teens are abusing prescription medications in record numbers.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 70 percent of children age 12 and older say they got prescription drugs, not from a drug dealer, but from a friend or relative.For teens, peer pressure or wanting to escape emotional stress can lead to experimentation, which can in turn lead to abuse, addiction and sometimes to a drug overdose.“Each day, more than 2,000 teens begin abusing prescription medications, believing that doctor-prescribed medicine is safer to experiment with than illegal drugs,” says Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org.
“Prescription medications can be very helpful when used as directed, but misusing or abusing these drugs can be dangerous and even deadly.”Parents, teachers and other adults who influence teen behavior stand the best chance of recognizing and dealing with these dangerous behaviors.
“Parents and grandparents take great pains to prevent poisoning in young children by keeping household chemicals out of the reach,” according to Pasierb.
The web site www.RxSafetyMatters.org provides information and resources to parents and community groups on how to prevent prescription drug abuse.Tips for parents include:• Learn to recognize the signs of abuse.
Warning signs include sudden mood swings, changes in social circles, secretive behavior, excessive sleeping and a loss of interest in appearance or hobbies.
Recent surveys show that teens are abusing prescription medications in record numbers.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 70 percent of children age 12 and older say they got prescription drugs, not from a drug dealer, but from a friend or relative.For teens, peer pressure or wanting to escape emotional stress can lead to experimentation, which can in turn lead to abuse, addiction and sometimes to a drug overdose.“Each day, more than 2,000 teens begin abusing prescription medications, believing that doctor-prescribed medicine is safer to experiment with than illegal drugs,” says Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org.
“Prescription medications can be very helpful when used as directed, but misusing or abusing these drugs can be dangerous and even deadly.”Parents, teachers and other adults who influence teen behavior stand the best chance of recognizing and dealing with these dangerous behaviors.
“Parents and grandparents take great pains to prevent poisoning in young children by keeping household chemicals out of the reach,” according to Pasierb.
The web site www.RxSafetyMatters.org provides information and resources to parents and community groups on how to prevent prescription drug abuse.Tips for parents include:• Learn to recognize the signs of abuse.
Warning signs include sudden mood swings, changes in social circles, secretive behavior, excessive sleeping and a loss of interest in appearance or hobbies.